Lambton Kent District School Board celebrated a milestone moment on June 1 as the entire Lambton Centennial Public School (LCPS) community Kindergarten to Grade 8 students, staff, families, local dignitaries, and the Board's executive team gathered for the official Opening Day of the school's brand-new "Field of Dreams" baseball diamond. The project was made possible through $150,000 in funding from the Jays Care Foundation and TD, awarded as part of the national Field of Dreams program supporting the construction and revitalization of community baseball diamonds across Canada.
The energy on the LCPS grounds rivalled a true Major League Baseball opening day. A sea of Blue Jays blue filled the field as every student proudly sported a Jays ball cap and rally towel. Staff and visitors joined in the spirit, donning their best Blue Jays gear as they stepped onto the new diamond for the first time. The atmosphere was electric equal parts celebration, gratitude, and community pride.
LCPS Phys Ed teacher Steve McGrail, who led the application process and championed the project from the beginning, emphasized that today's celebration was the result of a true team effort.
"I am incredibly proud to have been a part of this process," McGrail said. Addressing the students directly, he added, "Let's take care of it, keep it in great shape, and make sure it remains a special place for kids to play on for generations to come."
McGrail extended heartfelt thanks to the Jays Care Foundation and TD for "believing in kids and investing in the community," as well as to the Centennial staff and students for their patience, excitement, and unmatched spirit throughout the journey. He also recognized the Lambton Kent District School Board for supporting the vision from day one, and expressed appreciation for the leadership of current principal Mrs. Taryn Lessard and former principals Mr. Spence and Mrs. Johnston, who each played a role in moving the project forward.
The diamond itself built with exceptional craftsmanship by Southwest Fence and Deck stood gleaming under the June sun as the community gathered to celebrate.
Adding to the Opening Day atmosphere was the generosity of local businesses, whose contributions helped transform the event into a true ballpark-style celebration. Hot dogs were provided for all attendees thanks to the support of Oil Springs Service Centre, while cupcakes from Heidi's Independent, water from Wyoming Foodland, and popcorn from Red Apple Petrolia kept spirits high. Beautiful plants and flowers from Windover Nurseries and Gray's Floral added colour to the celebration space, and Waddick Fuels supplied new garbage cans to support the event and future use of the field.
The Lambton Central Collegiate & Vocational Institute (LCCVI) band elevated the moment even further, serenading fans with "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," giving the ceremony an unmistakable big-league feel.
In a symbolic tribute to the school's legacy, first pitches were thrown by LCPS alumni, current senior Panthers, and primary Panthers representing the past, present, and future of Lambton Centennial Public School.
Local dignitaries, including Petrolia Mayor Brad Loosley and Deputy Mayor of Enniskillen Judy Krall, joined the celebration, underscoring the significance of the project for the broader community.
A particularly meaningful moment came with the unveiling of a newly installed memorial bench honouring former LCPS student Krista Hyatt, a beloved baseball enthusiast who passed away in 1996. The bench, placed overlooking the new diamond, serves as a lasting tribute to her love of the game and her connection to the school community.
Immediately following the ribbon cutting, LCPS students wasted no time putting the new diamond to good use. The field erupted into activity as students rotated through baseball-themed stations target throwing, Diamond Dash base running, Pop Fly Frenzy, and more. Laughter, cheers, and rally towels filled the air as the Panthers broke in their new field with unmistakable pride.
LKDSB Chief Executive Officer, Gary Girardi, praised the project and the people behind it.
"The real MVPs are the incredible staff and students that attend our schools each and every day," Girardi said. "The LKDSB has been proud to support this incredible endeavor from start to finish."
The new diamond will serve not only LCPS students but the entire community, helping to further develop the game of baseball and softball locally and providing a safe, high-quality space for children and families for years to come.
As the final cheers echoed across the field and rally towels waved in the breeze, one thing was clear: today wasn't just an opening day it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and the belief that every child deserves a place to play, grow, and dream.
